The European market can present significant cost-savings advantages for U.S. programme debt issuers. Learn more about the opportunities and challenges of venturing into this market from our roundtable of experts.
Lately, more and more U.S. issuers are looking to enter the European market. In fact, analysts at ING have forecasted that the corporate reverse yankee supply – bonds issued by U.S. companies in non-dollar currencies outside the U.S. – will reach 80 billion euros this year.
In a recent article, ING analysts wrote: “We expect the cross-currency basis swap to tighten further and remain tight for 2021…. As a result, there will be a very attractive cost-saving opportunity for US corporates to issue EUR bonds and therefore we set our Reverse Yankee supply forecast at €80bn.”
To better understand this phenomenon and what U.S. issuers need, we spoke with three of our programme debt experts here at U.S. Bank. They explained why the European market is so attractive and what challenges it presents. Learn more in the Q&A article below that contains insights from our two specialists:
- Cameron Munden, Vice President of Business Development , U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust
- Barbara Nastro, Managing Director of Business Development, U.S. Bank Global Corporate Trust
Q: What are the current challenges for U.S. issuers in Europe?
Munden: The biggest challenge issuers face is that the process is different. It’s not the same as settlement into the U.S. via a depository trust company (DTC). Because of this, their agent in the U.S. might not have the capability to handle European issuances.
Q: So, finding the right partner is crucial for a successful European issuance. Is that correct?
Munden: Most definitely. It’s a much different process than settlement into the U.S. via DTC. It’s important to partner with an agent, like U.S. Bank, that has experience in the European and U.S. market. We’re able to provide expertise and guide issuers through the differences and processes to successfully execute their European issuance.
Nastro: I agree. It’s important for issuers to do their due diligence when selecting an IPA partner. Here at U.S. Bank, we have connectivity in both the U.S. and Europe, so we’re able to handle issuances in either market – or even a dual issuance into both markets.
Q: What types of technology solutions are available to help issuers manage their programme debt?
Munden: Global issuers would benefit from the familiarity of Spans International (EU), as it will look and feel like its U.S. counterpart, Spans Online. User entitlements to both platforms will be maintained by the single “access management” group.
Nastro: At U.S. Bank, the securities processing automated notes system (SPANS) is accessible through our secure Trust Gateway Portal. Our customizable user interface gives issuers real-time, 24/7 visibility over all activity. They can access reports, confirm trades and effectively manage their programme for timely settlements and prompt payments. Users receive a demonstration of the application through our onboarding process, as well as designated, ongoing support.
It’s obvious there are significant benefits to looking to Europe for programme debt issuances. If you’re considering this opportunity, find a partner with the expertise to guide you through the process and the technology to support your needs. With the right team on your side, you can enter this market with confidence.
U.S. Bank is an experienced corporate trust provider with a solution for programme debt that provides 24/7 access, excellent client service and a future-proof mindset. Learn more about our European issuing and paying agent services.
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